Elotes (Mexican Street Corn on the Cob)
In short: Corn on the cob grilled until charred, brushed with mayonnaise and crema, rolled in cotija cheese and chile powder, and served with lime. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Elotes are sold from carts and stalls all over Mexico, boiled or grilled and then covered in mayonnaise, crema, salty cheese and chile. The corn tastes sweet, smoky and creamy at once, with a sharp lift from fresh lime. Grill the ears over high heat until the kernels blister, and add the toppings while the corn is still hot so they cling. Eat them straight from the cob, or cut the kernels off to make esquites.
Instructions
- Heat a grill or a heavy skillet to high. Brush the corn lightly with oil if you like, though it is not required.
- Grill the ears for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until the kernels are bright yellow with brown and black spots.
- While the corn cooks, stir the mayonnaise and crema together in a bowl.
- Push a skewer into the stem end of each hot ear if you want a handle. Brush each ear all over with the mayonnaise mixture.
- Roll the ears in the crumbled cotija, then sprinkle with chile powder and a pinch of salt.
- Serve right away with lime wedges to squeeze over the top.
Tips
- No grill? Char the ears in a very hot dry cast-iron pan or under the oven broiler, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until spotted with brown.
- No cotija? Crumbled feta or finely grated Parmesan are close. Both are salty, so go easy on the added salt.
Questions and answers
What cheese goes on elotes?
Cotija, a dry, salty, crumbly Mexican cheese. Feta or grated Parmesan are the best substitutes. Queso fresco works too, but it is milder and softer.
Can I make elotes without mayonnaise?
Yes. Use all crema, sour cream or thick yogurt mixed with a squeeze of lime. The topping will be tangier and a little lighter.
How do I make esquites from elotes?
Cut the grilled kernels from the cob, then toss them with the same mayonnaise, crema, cheese, chile and lime in a bowl and eat with a spoon.
How long does it take to make Elotes (Mexican Street Corn on the Cob)?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Elotes (Mexican Street Corn on the Cob)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 10 g of protein, 33 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
